The Processes That Cause Soil Pollution

Soil, polluted or unpolluted, contains a variety of naturally occurring compounds (contaminants). Metals, inorganic ions and salts (such as phosphates, carbonates, sulfates, and nitrates), and many organic compounds are examples of contaminants (such as lipids, proteins, DNA, fatty acids, hydrocarbons, PAHs, alcohols, etc.). These compounds are primarily formed by soil microbial activity and organism decomposition (e.g., plants and animals). Furthermore, various compounds enter the soil from the atmosphere, such as precipitation water, wind activity, or other types of soil disturbances, as well as surface water bodies and shallow groundwater flowing through the soil. 

Pollution occurs when the amounts of soil contaminants exceed natural levels (what is naturally present in various soils). Soil pollution is caused by two main factors: anthropogenic (man-made) causes and natural causes.

What is Soil Pollution?

Soil pollution is defined as the presence of toxic chemicals in sufficient concentrations in the soil to endanger humans and the natural ecosystem. The majority of these toxic chemicals are present in trace amounts in all soil compounds. However, in some scenarios, human intervention and natural processes result in an overabundance of presence. Soil pollution can also be caused by the natural presence of such contaminants in large quantities.

• The European Commission defines the “contaminated site” as “a site where there is a confirmed presence of hazardous substances beyond permissible limits and posing a significant risk to human health or the environment, taking into account land use.”
• A healthy soil should have an adequate amount of organic matter, a diverse mix of organisms, and a good structure.

The Processes that Cause Soil Pollution

Soil pollution is broadly classified into two types 

1. Soil pollution caused by natural processes

Toxic chemicals can accumulate in the soil as a result of natural processes. This type of contamination has only been documented in a few cases, such as the accumulation of higher levels of perchlorate in soil from Chile’s Atacama Desert, a type of accumulation caused entirely by natural processes in arid environments.

2. Anthropogenic soil pollution (caused by human activity)

Almost all cases of soil pollution are caused by humans. Soil contamination can occur as a result of a variety of human activities.

• Asbestos contamination of nearby soil may occur during the demolition of old buildings.
• The use of lead-based paint during construction activities can also pollute the soil with dangerously high levels of lead.
• Spillage of petrol and diesel during transportation can contaminate soils with petroleum hydrocarbons.
• Metallic contaminants are frequently dispersed into nearby soils as a result of activities associated with metal casting factories (foundries).
• Heavy metal contamination of land can occur as a result of underground mining activities.
• Inadequate disposal of highly toxic industrial/chemical waste can seriously pollute the soil. For example, storing toxic wastes in landfills can result in waste seepage into the soil. This waste has the potential to pollute groundwater.
• Chemical pesticides contain a number of dangerous substances. Chemical pesticides used in excess and inefficiently can cause severe soil pollution.
• Sewage generated in urban areas has the potential to contaminate soil (if not disposed of correctly). These wastes could also contain a number of carcinogenic substances.
• Nuclear waste, e-waste, and coal ash are examples of waste that can pollute soil.

What types of chemical pesticides are the most dangerous, and why?

Many chemical pesticides are used in the successful production of agricultural commodities. They are classified in various ways, such as organochlorinated, organophosphorus, organocarbamate, and so on. Because these are all chemical substances, they are unquestionably toxic to the air, soil, water, and environment. However, it is critical to understand which pesticides are more likely to endanger the environment.

What are highly Hazardous pesticides?

Pesticides classified as highly hazardous are those that are known to pose particularly high levels of acute or chronic hazards to human health or the environment, as determined by internationally recognised classification systems such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Global Harmonized System (GHS), or that are listed in relevant binding international agreements or conventions. Furthermore, pesticides that appear to cause severe or irreversible harm to health or the environment in a country’s use conditions may be considered and treated as highly hazardous.

Conclusion

Furthermore, various compounds enter the soil from the atmosphere, such as precipitation water, wind activity, or other types of soil disturbances, as well as surface water bodies and shallow groundwater flowing through the soil. The majority of these toxic chemicals are present in trace amounts in all soil compounds. Soil pollution can also be caused by the natural presence of such contaminants in large quantities. Soil pollution caused by natural processes Toxic chemicals can accumulate in the soil as a result of natural processes. This type of contamination has only been documented in a few cases, such as the accumulation of higher levels of perchlorate in soil from Chile’s Atacama Desert, a type of accumulation caused entirely by natural processes in arid environments.